waiting in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "waiting in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being in a location while anticipating something or someone. Example: "I was waiting in the lobby for my appointment to begin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

While waiting in the big….

The New Yorker

— waiting in handleless drinking glasses.

The New York Times

Others sat waiting in white vehicles.

The New York Times

Kadima will be waiting in the wings.

The New York Times

Like waiting in line for a bagel.

The New York Times

More are waiting in the wings.

Independent

Sadly, they may be waiting in vain.

The Economist

Marlon was waiting in an upstairs bedroom.

Independent

Gadbois was waiting in the dining room.

The New Yorker

"Twenty-four hours waiting, in these conditions.

The New York Times

"Jeb is waiting in the wings?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "waiting in" to clearly indicate someone or something is in a specific location while anticipating an event or person. For example, "She was waiting in the lobby."

Common error

Avoid using "waiting at" when referring to an enclosed space; "waiting in" is more appropriate for rooms, buildings, or vehicles. Instead of saying "He was waiting at the car", say "He was waiting in the car".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waiting in" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb to indicate the location where someone is anticipating something. Ludwig's analysis confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "waiting in" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that specifies the location of someone in anticipation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it commonly appears in news and media contexts. To ensure clarity, it's important to distinguish between "waiting in" (for enclosed spaces) and "waiting at" (for specific points). By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "waiting in" into your writing. Ludwig's analysis underscores the phrase's versatility and proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awaiting within

Similar to "waiting in", but emphasizes containment or enclosure during the waiting period.

lingering inside

Implies a more passive and possibly prolonged period of waiting within a specific location.

standing by inside

Suggests a readiness or preparedness while waiting in a particular place.

tarrying within

A more formal or archaic way to express waiting in a place, often implying a deliberate delay.

remaining indoors

Focuses on the act of staying inside while waiting, rather than the anticipation itself.

biding time inside

Highlights the act of passing time while waiting, often with a sense of purpose or strategy.

staying put inside

Emphasizes the act of remaining stationary while waiting in a location.

expecting within

Focuses on the anticipation of something while being located inside a place, not the waiting itself.

loitering inside

Implies waiting without a clear purpose, often in a public space.

pausing inside

Suggests a temporary halt or break while waiting, rather than a prolonged period.

FAQs

How can I use "waiting in" in a sentence?

You can use "waiting in" to describe someone who is located in a particular place and anticipating something. For example: "The doctor is "waiting in the office"" or "I was "waiting in the car" for her."

What are some alternatives to "waiting in"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "awaiting within", "lingering inside", or "standing by inside" as alternatives to "waiting in".

Is it correct to say "waiting at" instead of "waiting in"?

While "waiting at" can be correct, it's typically used for specific points or locations (e.g., "waiting at the bus stop"). "Waiting in" is more appropriate for enclosed spaces (e.g., "waiting in the waiting room").

What's the difference between "waiting in" and "waiting on"?

"Waiting in" refers to being located inside a place while waiting. "Waiting on" usually means waiting for something to happen or waiting to be served (e.g., "waiting on a delivery").